Big ideas, big wins: Cleveland Chain Reaction places Noblewins as season nine champion

FreshWater Staff Friday, July 31, 2026
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Greater Cleveland Partnership’s (GCP) Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) and JumpStart Inc. today announced the winners of the ninth season of Cleveland Chain Reaction, the small business pitch competition.

First place and a $40,000 award went to Noblewins LLC, a business that creates public art from retired wind turbine blades.

Engineered 2 Entertain, which specializes in custom props, fan-engagement experiences and entertainment elements for professional sports organizations, earned second place and $20,000.

Mouma’s, a maker of convenient Indian meal products, received the $10,000 third-place award.

A special fourth-place award and $5,000 went to Jam by Josh, which produces premium fruit spreads. The winners also received free advertising from “Mimi Magazine” and “FreshWater Cleveland.”

The 16 remaining semifinalists received $2,000 grants funded by competition partners Medical Mutual, COSE Benefit Plan, Minutemen Workforce Solutions and MAGNET, along with discounted advertising from “Mimi Magazine” and “FreshWater Cleveland.”

All participants received COSE memberships and will have continued advising and support opportunities post-finale. The winners and awards were announced live at Ariel LaSalle Theatre during ‘Kickin’ it with Kenny’ on FOX 8 News in the Morning.

“This year’s semifinalists brought forward innovative ideas, strong business plans and a clear commitment to growth,” says Megan E. Kim-McGinty, executive director of COSE and executive vice president, small business, marketing and tech initiatives at GCP. “The scores were remarkably close, prompting the judges to honor an additional entrepreneur alongside the top three winners. Together, these business owners represent the creativity and ambition fueling Greater Cleveland’s small business community.”

The 21 semifinalists participated in a four-week bootcamp where JumpStart’s expert advisors helped participants prepare to pitch at a two-day showcase that took place Wednesday, July 22 and Thursday, July 23.

“We congratulate this year’s winners and look forward to seeing how they build on this momentum,” says Patty Ajdukiewicz, vice president, small business services and capital at JumpStart. “Cleveland Chain Reaction is designed to give entrepreneurs more than a moment in the spotlight. Our goal is for every participant to leave with something they can carry forward—sharper business plans, stronger connections, greater confidence and access to continued support as they grow. We’re proud to celebrate what they’ve accomplished, and even more optimistic about what they’ll do next.”

The season nine semifinalists included (in alphabetical order):

Cleveland Chain Reaction connects entrepreneurs to capital and mentors and helps businesses grow and expand in Greater Cleveland. Since its inception in 2017, Cleveland Chain Reaction has received 822 applications, coached and prepared 188 small business semifinalists, connected winning businesses to more than $1.8 million in capital and provided 830 hours of technical assistance.

Cleveland Chain Reaction is produced by COSE in collaboration with JumpStart Inc. and FOX 8 News in the Morning's ‘Kickin’ it with Kenny.’ This season is sponsored by Medical Mutual, Minutemen Workforce Solutions, MAGNET and the COSE Benefit Plan. Mimi Magazine is the print publication partner, and FreshWater Cleveland is the digital publication partner.